Why Liverpool should be pleased that Suarez and Sterling are not yet the best in Europe

Much has been written about just how good Liverpool duo Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling have been this season.

Some felt the Uruguayan striker was every bit as effective as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi during this campaign, while Brendan Rodgers was among those who hailed Sterling as the best young player in Europe.

But plenty of football fans and pundits do not believe the Liverpool pair can yet be held in such high esteem, which should please rather than anger the Anfield faithful for a very simple reason.

This season could yet end in euphoria for the Reds or it could – as is more likely – end in a heartbreak that should be tempered with the fact that they have made huge strides under Rodgers.

But whatever happens, they are going to have to perform even better next season, given the added pressure on them as “contenders” and the fact they will be competing in the Champions League.

As a result, the fact that questions are still being asked by some as to whether or not Suarez and Sterling really are the best of the best in their respective age-categories is a good thing, as it will motivate both players to show they deserve all the plaudits coming their way.

Sterling will want to prove he really is the brightest young talent currently playing the game, meaning his performances could improve even more, while he finally has the chance to show what he can do in Europe’s elite competition.

Similarly, Suarez is now joining Ronaldo, Messi and all in that arena, and he will know that another season like this one could well see him in the running for a future Ballon d’Or.

So for all the naysayers suggesting Sterling is not good enough and Suarez will never be as good as the La Liga-based pair, just keep believing that, and the players could use those very denials as the fuel to prove you wrong.

Vincent Ralph

After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Vincent completed a NCTJ-accredited qualification in newspaper and magazine journalism in 2005. Shortly after, in a somewhat leftfield move, he began working at a secondary school in Kent. After eight years – the last four of which were spent as Head of Sixth Form – he began to write full-time, combining his love of football with his passion for the written word.Alongside his work for HITC Sport, he also writes film reviews for HITC Lifestyle… along with the odd music interview when fate allows.